THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to return allegedly diverted funds from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and to urgently constitute the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), warning that failure to comply could trigger nationwide industrial unrest.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero accused the government of diverting 40 percent of workers’ contributions into the national treasury as “revenue,” in clear breach of the statutes establishing the NSITF.
The CWC said the action undermines workers’ social protection rights, describing the move as a “flagrant violation” of the law and an assault on the principle of tripartite governance.
“Pension funds are deferred wages, not state revenue,” the statement emphasised, insisting on the immediate constitution of the PENCOM Board in accordance with the law. The NLC warned that the government’s unilateral control over pension funds increases the risk of mismanagement and political interference.
The meeting also addressed other pressing issues, including the leadership crisis in the Edo State Council of the NLC, the deepening economic hardship marked by inflation, unemployment, hunger, and insecurity, as well as perceived anti-worker policies of the current administration.
In Edo State, the NLC ratified the dissolution of the State Administrative Council over alleged unethical behaviour and anti-union conduct, replacing it with a Caretaker Committee to run the Council’s affairs until fresh elections are conducted.
The NLC also condemned what it called “false claims” by the Federal Government over ownership of the NLC National Headquarters, alleged cyber and media bullying of trade union leaders, and covert moves to amend the NSITF Act in a way that would remove workers’ control over the fund.
As part of its resolutions, the CWC directed:
The NSITF must account for and return all diverted funds within seven working days.
The PENCOM Board must be constituted in full compliance with the law within the same timeframe.
The Pension Commission must submit a full status report of the funds to the NLC.
The NLC cautioned that failure to meet these demands within the stipulated period would leave it with no choice but to withdraw its guarantee of industrial peace in the sector.
